Ana Lucía Martínez and José Pinto join UNICEF to defend children’s rights in Guatemala

Guatemala City, August 12, 2025 – At a moment of national pride following Guatemala’s performance in the Gold Cup and with eyes set on qualifying for the 2026 World Cup, UNICEF launches the campaign “We Play on the Same Team”, a call for national unity in support of children’s rights.

The campaign is backed by professional footballers Ana Lucía Martínez and José Carlos Pinto, who, drawing on their experience in high-level sports, reaffirm that the real match is about ensuring that all children can grow up healthy, safe, and with opportunities.

“In Guatemala, thousands of children do not have access to the most basic things: their right to play, to grow up healthy, to live a full childhood. Too often, illness, malnutrition, or violence keep them off the field. I’ve played on many teams, but when it comes to the match for rights, we all play on the same team,” said Ana Lucía Martínez, national team player and current champion of Mexico’s Liga MX Femenil.

For his part, José Carlos Pinto, captain of the men’s national team, stated:

“I’ve worn many jerseys in my career, but in the game of life, we play on the same team. When we support children, we all win as a country, and that is why I have decided to join UNICEF.”

UNICEF is calling on everyone to become partners of the organization and be active players in defending children’s rights. The funds raised will help ensure that more children have access to health, nutrition, education, protection, and safe spaces to play and grow.

“When a country invests in its children, it is investing in its future. There is no better team than the one that fights to guarantee the rights of all children, without exception. This campaign unites the power of sport with the power of solidarity. We invite everyone to join us, because together, we play on the same team,” said Vincenzo Placco, UNICEF Representative a.i. in Guatemala.

The campaign will run until October and will be featured on the organization’s digital channels, as well as in shopping centers in Guatemala City.

Those who wish to join the cause can do so by visiting: https://help.unicef.org/lac/guatemala/juegolimpio or by writing to: [email protected].

About Ana Lucía Martínez
The first Guatemalan woman to play professional football in Europe, Ana Lucía has played for clubs in Spain, Italy, and currently for Rayadas de Monterrey (Mexico), champions of the 2024 Liga MX Femenil. She is a chemical engineer with two master’s degrees, and has been recognized as a “Distinguished Guatemalan” and named one of Forbes Central America’s 100 Most Powerful Women.

About José Carlos Pinto
A central defender with a career in Sacachispas, Municipal, Antigua GFC, and Comunicaciones FC, Pinto is the captain of the national team. He has balanced his sports career with academic studies and has played for Deportivo Malacateco, CSD Municipal, Antigua GFC (where he won four league titles), and Comunicaciones FC, with whom he won the Scotiabank Concacaf League. He has served as captain for several of his teams, standing out for his leadership and commitment on the field.